New Class D amplifiers

I purchased AGD Audion mono blocs last week . I have 86 hours on them and they are special....... THANKS Alberto.  I researched and read the reviews and owner impressions and can happily state that these aren't hyped products with gimmicky tubes. Give them a chance to get some hours and you will be rewarded. 

PS Audio has Ice power Class D monoblocks. S1200 and 700 models

Rogue Audio has a Hybrid Tube/class D integrated. 

I have AGD Audions and Atma-Sphere Class D.

Both are excellent. Among the best ever.

The AGD are more tube-like and the Atmas are more dynamic and transparent.

I have been using an Arion S-500 class D amp for almost 4 years and couldn't be happier.  Designer Mike Kallelis really did a fine job on this design.  Very clean, neutral, extended at both ends, and never has any digital nasties.  Plenty of juice for my speakers, which love the high wattage.  And very reasonably priced, too!  

Legacy Audio iV amps should be considered too.

Steve

I appreciate all the suggestions and i'll be looking into each one!  I do favor  integrated options since I prefer not to get into a preamp as well. but the mono block options are very good.  i wish Atma Sphere had a class d integrated now which i think is being developed.    

A hidden gem to perhaps convert the close the class a heaters sonic gap.

I have both an LSA Voyager GaN 350 (dual mono) and EVS 1200 based on dual IcePower 1200 AS1 modules. I was using the EVS with Ali-Express Nordost Odin 2 speaker cables and Odin 2 XLRs, plus Odin 2 coax, and while exceptional, my system has terrific detail, but lacked a rich dollop of warmth. Since these cables are super inexpensive, I replaced the XLRs with Odin Gold, which helped, so I wanted to change out the coax too, but couldn't locate it, so instead, I bought Odin Gold speaker cables, for a mere $128/3m pair!!! These provide a much better sonic match (warmer rounder without sacrificing any details that the Odin 2 provides.

hth

After a number of various switching amplifiers through the 2000's I found a pair of early Hypex NC400 kit amps to be noticeably preferable in the mid and upper frequencies. I use them for recording playback with monitor speakers. I still use tubes for listening.  

I haven't followed Mr. Putsyes later models but I have noticed a number of speaker manufactures are using them for their powered systems. Interesting designer.

avatar:  https://www.stringvirtuoso.com/artists/lorraine-campet/

At present, I have a Luxman m-700u/c-700u combo and PS Audio M1200 mono/PS Audio BHK preamp combo in rotation. The PSA M1200 amps use IcePower modules with proprietary tubed input stage. These two amplifiers are a near dead heat in sound quality, just different strengths. There's no clear cut "winner." Like Erik Squire's previous post, I prefer the Luxman combo for the type of music I listen to but could easily imagine someone else making another choice. 

The implementation of custom input stages using the IcePower modules is apparently important. I also have an amp that just uses the stock unmodified AS1200 module with high end Furutech wiring and connectors and it doesn't hold a candle to the performance of the PS Audio amps. There is also a difference in older IcePower modules vs. modules used in Legacy and PS Audio M1200 amps. The older modules used in many amps are decade old tech. 

Alo try Wyred 4 Sound stuff. They have everything and had the mono block mated to my CJ preamp and sounded amazing. Wish I knew what I had before I sold it. Light weight compared to the back breaker Audio Research amp I have. 

I am a huge proponent of Class D, not just the newest models. I like IcePower amps a lot more than I like some megabuck Class A, but not as much as I like my current Luxman.

The point is, I find that too many audiophiles are stuck perpetuating an amp class discrimination with stereotypes that haven't been true since the 1990s.  While the latest amps from Technics and Atmasphere may be great, there was nothing wrong with Class D, in general, five years ago either.

Check out Buckeye amps.

@innersound300  Gene of Audioholics is not someone I would rely on for audio advice. He’s a notorious cable denier, who when challenged to back up his claims predictably seeks out the nearest rock to hide under. 

@grantgg I would also look at Orchard Audio and VTV, both designers have made huge strides in implementing GaNFET technology. Both have received glowing reviews.

I have a pair of Atma Sphere mono blocks (Class D) on order, which should arrive mid March. So I can’t yet comment on their sound but after countless hours of research they appear to be the best Class D amps I could find under $5K.  

Happy listening. 

My Peachtree GaN 400 @ $2500 is easily the bargain of the year. I'm a tube lover and matched it with Audio GD tube preamp. Beautiful , silky smooth sound and power to drive any speaker. I'm sold on good quality ganfet transistor amps. Sounds like class AB without the heat.

You might want to consider the Lyngdorf SDA 2400.

There are also plenty other like NAD, Bel Canto or Mola Mola.

From my experience Class D is very neutral, can sound brilliant with a good source from the preamplifier, or be unforgiving with a poor signal.

it’s - as always - a matter of matching.

I suggest checking out the D-Sonic M3a-800S. This will give you 400 wpc or 2x the max rating of your speaker.

I have their M3a-600M mono-blocks, which at 600 wpc provide 2x the max rating of my ATC Scm-19's. The headroom and high dampening factor provide great control over the speakers, even at lower listening levels.

Technics has two wonderful sounding Class D integrateds. The SU-G700M2 (which  I have) and the SU0R1000 (the bigger brother).

All the best,
Nonoise

I agree with soix.  For example,, you may want to consider the new Peachtree GaN1 digital amp/power DAC.  Great sound quality.

In addition to Atmasphere you should also look at AGD amps that are also being touted as “end game” amps and have the virtue of being easily upgradeable as technology improves.  When one of the top tube amp designers comes out with a GaN amp and is very happy with it you know something’s up. 

Yes, had seen those too when seaching.  thx   

@grantgg do a search on the new Atmasphere class d monoblocks. I've heard them and was very impressed. Extremely fast & clean sounding.

i found this a few weeks ago on you-tube and thought it was interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmexv21I9RY